Algerian Olympic Gold Medallist Imane Khelif Opens Up on Hormone Suppression and Gender Eligibility
In a revealing interview with French sports daily L’Equipe, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has disclosed that she underwent hormone treatments to reduce her testosterone levels in preparation for the Games. This admission comes amidst ongoing gender eligibility controversies that have shadowed her career, particularly involving claims that she and Chinese Taipei boxer Lin Yu-ting were ineligible to compete in the women's category.
Khelif's Hormone Treatment and Genetic Background
Khelif stated, "I have female hormones. And people don’t know this, but I have taken hormone treatments to lower my testosterone levels for competitions." She further confirmed possessing the SRY gene, which is typically found on the Y chromosome and associated with masculinity, emphasizing that this is a natural condition. "Yes, and it’s natural," she added, noting that she is under medical supervision, including monitoring by a professor. For the Paris Games qualifying tournament in Dakar, she reported lowering her testosterone levels to zero.
Controversy and Future Olympic Aspirations
The boxer has been embroiled in gender disputes, with critics questioning her eligibility in women's boxing. Despite this, Khelif is determined to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She acknowledges that she must comply with mandatory gender testing imposed by World Boxing, the new governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee. "For the next Games, if I have to take a test, I will. I have no problem with that," she asserted, revealing that she has already submitted her medical records and hormone tests to World Boxing but has yet to receive a response.
Khelif's Stance on Identity and Challenges
Khelif firmly denied being transgender, stating, "I’m not transgender. My difference is natural. This is who I am. I haven’t done anything to change the way nature made me. That’s why I’m not afraid." She highlighted that genetic and hormonal variations are common, and it should be up to medical professionals to decide eligibility. Since the Paris Olympics, she has been barred from competing by World Boxing due to not taking the newly introduced chromosome test, but she views this as a logical step and remains committed to her goal of defending her Olympic title, aiming to become the first Algerian athlete to do so.
This development underscores the complex interplay between sports, genetics, and gender policies, as athletes like Khelif navigate evolving regulations while striving for excellence on the global stage.
